Istanbul is somewhat of a juxtaposition. It’s Old City versus New City, traditional versus liberal, European versus Asian. The food too can be described in much of the same way- you can easily grab a customary simit (sesame seed crusted bread rings) for $1 or an incredible pide (Turkish pizza) for a mere $2, or Read more

This list is a challenging one. They all are tough to compile, but choosing your favorites within the city you live in, especially when that city is New York City, may be the hardest of them all. Many would say this bustling, frenetic, creative, character building, passionate island is the keeper of some of the Read more

Los Angeles versus New York. It’s a tale of two cities that will likely never go away. The residents of each emphatically defend why they believe their coast is the best coast, New Yorkers mocking LA for all of its traffic and driving, Californians scoffing at Manhattan’s crowds and so-called intensity. I personally am pretty Read more

Krakow is understated, charming and has an air of melancholy about it. You can feel the history pulsing through the small streets, decades after they were home to some of our history’s most extraordinary events. Though I was only here for two days, Krakow left an impression on me. The main areas to explore are Read more

8.6 million people reside in New York City. That number is estimated at 13.5 million for Tokyo. Yet this city, the largest in Japan, somehow feels incredibly organized, exudes a constant sense of welcoming warmth in nearly every way, has a palpable sense of pride in its food, dress, and design, and is clean enough Read more

I am overwhelmed with how much love I felt for the colorful, charismatic and endlessly charming city of Lisbon. I went for the first time in 2009 when I was 27, but discovered a whole new appreciation for what the “seven hills” had to offer this time around at 35. I don’t know if Read more

Paris was a slow burner for me. It’s not that I disliked it early on, but it wasn’t a love at first sight kind of situation, like other places have been before. Each time I visit I find myself falling into it a little deeper though, and truly beginning to understand and believe the mantra Read more

Uruguay. It’s understated, underrated, and completely under the radar, at least for those outside of South America. Uruguay is a total hidden gem, a country both simplistic and passionate at the same time. The land is one of wide beaches, green valleys, and thinly scattered palm trees. The food is colorful, creative and rich with Read more

Iceland’s appeal isn’t just in its glaciers and geysers. Sure, driving the captivating countryside is a huge part of the draw, but the food will exceed expectations just as quickly. The term fresh seafood takes on a whole new meaning in this small country, completely surrounded by isolated, Arctic waters. The easiest way to understand Read more

Montreal, I thought you were completely and utterly great. You exceeded my expectations on so many levels and I can’t wait until we meet again. Montreal is super easy to navigate, full of incredibly genuine and friendly people, and has multiple cool neighborhoods in which to explore. It is also a ridiculously great food Read more

The following statement might sound somewhat counterintuitive, but it’s something I’ve learned to be true. Part of the lure, or maybe the advantage, that comes with being an avid traveler is actually the freedom you begin to feel that you’ve earned the right to start repeating places in which you are visiting. Sure, I still Read more